Hi! I'm new here on Deserted Phans! I saw this forum on Different Phantom musicals and I wanted to know if anyone has seen/listened to the Tom Alonso (aka the Toby Dinner Theatre) version of the Phantom of the Opera. If so, what are your thoughts? I got the album from Tom Alonso after hearing about it in the Phantom Reviewer's podcast episode and I was very delighted. It's probably one of the most faithful musical adaptations of the Leroux novel in my opinion, and I would love to exchange thoughts on it, especially if anyone's actually seen it and knows about the dialogue.

A-single-red-rose wrote:Hi! I'm new here on Deserted Phans! I saw this forum on Different Phantom musicals and I wanted to know if anyone has seen/listened to the Tom Alonso (aka the Toby Dinner Theatre) version of the Phantom of the Opera. If so, what are your thoughts? I got the album from Tom Alonso after hearing about it in the Phantom Reviewer's podcast episode and I was very delighted. It's probably one of the most faithful musical adaptations of the Leroux novel in my opinion, and I would love to exchange thoughts on it, especially if anyone's actually seen it and knows about the dialogue.

I like the music a lot. Some of the songs are very emotional and the Phantom has a very deep, bass voice, which I love. And the story is pretty much based on the Leroux story, except that it revolves around a trial of the disappearance of Christine, Raoul, and the Persian. I only have a cast recording of the show.

Hi, A-single-red-rose! Nice to have you! I have that cast recording, but I've never seen the show myself. And sadly, it's been so long since I listened to it, that I'd have to go dig it out of wherever I put it and listen again to have a meaningful conversation. Maybe I should do that though, eh?

I haven't gotten to see this version live (though I saw the poster for it when I went to a couple of other shows at Toby's Dinner Theatre), but I have the cast album and it's one of my favorite POTO musical recordings. I especially love "Skin Deep" -- completely batsh*t crazy Erik, and actual text from Leroux that was musicalized in a believable way. I was in heaven.

I also really liked the argument adult Erik has with himself as a child in "A Room Full of Shadows." The way Erik's relationship with his mother was presented in this one was interesting; kind of a blend of the (few) positive traits of Madeleine from the Kay novel along with some elements of Erik's mother from the Charles Dance miniseries, to create one of the very few sympathetic portrayals of her in a POTO adaptation. I like how the question is raised about whether she had Erik wear a mask for his own protection, or just to ease her own guilty conscience.

So yeah, I really, really enjoyed this one and hope I'll get to see it performed live sometime. ^_^

I couldn't agree with you more IamErik771. I also love "The Love You Never Had." It's such a melancholy tune and really shows off the more tragic side of the Phantom, even before we learn more about his backstory (which "A Room Full of Shadows" does well also). In the right emotional state, this song can bring me to tears.

Overall, I just love how he's portrayed in this musical. His personality as a madman is definitely shown, like in songs like "Do You Believe In Ghosts," "Skin Deep," and "Rituals." They make his character seem threatening, and definitely highlight why Christine wouldn't choose the Phantom over Raoul.

Speaking of whom, I like how they portray Raoul in this version. For one thing, his voice is very smooth and silky. It contrasts greatly to the Phantom's powerful, menacing voice. Also, to put it very bluntly, I think this is the least foppish adaptation of Raoul. He's optimistic, curious, definitely cares about Christine, and is very open minded.

Any thoughts on the casting or the portrayal of the main cast (Erik, Christine, Raoul, etc.)?